Implementation of an organisation-wide standard project management methodology

Development of a standardised project management approach to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of international project and portfolio management.

Overview

  • Medium-sized company in the manufacturing industry for ceramic products
  • Number of employees: approx. 3,800
  • Project duration: 2 years, from February 2022 - January 2024
  • Core team: Interdisciplinary team of 18 people
  • Affected: 1,000 employees

The challenge

The company was faced with the challenge of standardising its diverse, often isolated project management practices. The need for a standardised methodology was critical to increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve project quality and interdisciplinary collaboration across all departments and locations. The need to promote employee buy-in and effectively manage the transition phase was critical to the success of the project.

Our approach

Our team developed a customised solution to standardise project management, which included the following elements:

  • As-is assessment of the project management structures: Carrying out a
    comprehensive analysis of the existing project management processes in order to
    identify potential for improvement and gain insights into where standardisation is
    possible.
  • Development of a uniform project management framework: Based on identified
    best practices and taking into account the specific needs of the company, a uniform
    framework was developed and implemented. This framework standardises processes, project
    documentation and project roles (PMO) with the help of selected portfolio and
    project management software.
  • Conception and implementation of a bilingual learning concept: Creation of e-learning
    materials to train employees in 17 units to adopt the new methodology and
    software to ensure consistent application across the entire company.
  • Development of a change management plan: In addition to the communication strategy
    which included a stanardised storybook as well as other change
    initatives such as training programs and stakeholder engagement, change champions were
    empowered within the company. These champions act as multipliers of change, actively
    motivating and supporting colleagues throughout the change process.

Our added value

The implementation of the standardised project management approach led to lasting changes in the company:

  • Successful anchoring of the new project management framework in the corporate
    culture, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness in project implementation.
  • Increased transparency and the ability to proactively intervene in projects, which has improved
    risk management and strengthened decision-making.
  • Strengthening cross-project collaboration and communication, which contributed
    to improved project quality and higher employee satisfaction.
  • Strengthening corporate agility, which enables the company to react quickly to
    market requirements and promote continuous improvement.

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